The firm said it made the decision after it wrote 50% of all winning credit union grant applications in 2012 and began accruing a waiting list for credit union clients in August. The temporary stay was effective as of CDFI’s release of its Notice of Funding Availability on Dec. 21, CU Strategic Planning said.

CU Strategic Planning said it will resume accepting new credit union clients for its 2013-2014 round of grant writing.

“To continue our high level of performance, it is imperative that we serve our existing clients to our utmost capabilities and then open the door to new clients once the current projects are complete,” said Chuck Cockburn, president/CEO for CU Strategic Planning. “It’s all about taking the time to do the research, develop the programs and provide excellent service.”

Cockburn said he strongly recommends credit unions secure a grant writing team far in advance of CDFI’s NOFA release.

“Quality CDFI grant writers are booked up to a year in advance,” Cockburn said. “The grant writing round is open right now, but all the best writers are already booked. So we encourage credit union CEOs to plan ahead and work nine months or more in advance to establish a quality application that is better positioned to win for them.”